Its appearance resembles an iron-and-steel gassho-style house, located right next to the largest lake in Nagano—the “Glass Village.”

▲Situated by Lake Suwa, the “SUWA Glass Village” has an exterior that evokes images of a concrete-and-steel version of a traditional gassho-style house.

Reported and photographed by Tsai Wen-jun / Nagano Prefecture, Japan

The crystal-clear transparency, along with the ever-shifting interplay of light and shadows visible from different angles and under varying light, is one of the reasons glass art captivates so many. If you’re also a fan of artworks such as crystals and glassware, why not visit theSUWA Glass Village(SUWAガラス之里) in Suwa, Japan? There, you can admire the world’s largest crystal and even try your hand at DIY glassmaking to take a handmade piece home with you.

▲The world’s largest crystal ball. Viewed from above, you can see light and colors flowing within—it’s truly beautiful.

▲This world’s-largest crystal ball is valued at 200 million yen.

The SUWA Glass Village is located right next to Lake Suwa, the largest lake in Nagano Prefecture. Its unique triangular-roof architecture calls to mind the famous gassho-style houses. The venue is primarily divided into three themed areas: an art museum, a glassware retail section, and a hands-on workshop. The art museum updates its exhibitions roughly once every quarter. Additionally, the world’s largest crystal ball, worth 200 million yen, is on display here. Weighing 676 kilograms, this massive crystal sphere displays flowing colors of light and shadow from various viewing angles—making it a truly unique sight.

The glassware retail section is also a highlight, touted as Japan’s largest glass product shop. From simple ornaments and tableware to exquisite lighting and accessories, a wide range of items are available for purchase.

▲A hands-on workshop where you can make various types of crystal and glass beads.

The hands-on workshop offers five different DIY experiences, allowing visitors to create their own crystal paperweights, glass beads, candles, and more. Production time ranges from about 30 minutes to one and a half hours, with experience prices ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 yen (tax excluded), depending on the course.

▲The area dedicated to making crystal paperweights.

During this reporter’s visit, they tried their hand at making a crystal paperweight, which could be completed in just 30 minutes. The process roughly involves five steps:
1. Choose your favorite color from five paperweight options
2. Select a design pattern from the sample templates
3. Flip the paperweight over onto the base and place it on the chosen pattern, then trace the design with a marker pen
4. Use an electric engraving machine to carve the pattern
5. Flip it back over, and your adorable crystal paperweight is complete

▲How to make a crystal paperweight. (Photo / Tsai Wen-jun)

▲The entrance to the Glass Village overlooks Lake Suwa.

SUWA Glass Village (SUWAガラス之里)
Address: 2400-7, Toyota, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture
Access: Take the JR Chuo Line to Suwa Station, then transfer to the Swan Bus (スワンバス) for about 20 minutes (Fare: 150 yen for adults, 80 yen for children)
Official Website:http://www.garasunosato.com/index.html